IN THE NEWS
The knowledge I gained from Randy Benson has been truly invaluable. During my time at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, I had the privilege of taking several filmmaking classes with him. His deep expertise in film history and production shines through in his teaching, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. He fosters a supportive and comfortable learning environment that significantly advanced my filmmaking career. Any educational institution would be fortunate to have him on their faculty.
- David Puckett, Award-winning filmmaker; Staff Director, Horizon Productions, Centerline Digital
Randy brings an innate positivity to his classes, his empathetic approach to both student and the subjects of the video, is supportive to both, and as a result we all had a great experience each year. I recommend strongly to enroll in anything this man teaches.
- Random Gott, Award-winning filmmaker
I was a student in Randy's Anytown USA classes in 2015 and 2016. These courses, taught by Randy, were transformative to my life and career. Randy is a skilled educator who believes that anyone has the ability to be a great storyteller. He teaches his students to be responsible, ethical stewards of other people's stories. This empathy-first approach is one of the many reasons that Randy is such a special instructor, and I consider myself very fortunate to be a recipient of his mentorship.
- Leslie Baker, Award-winning filmmaker; Producer, Duke University Communications
Our Founder
- Co-Founder, Summer Video Institute at Duke University's Center for Documentary Studies
- Instructor - Duke University's Center for Documentary Studies, advanced video courses for both in-class and remote students, including “Directing The Documentary”, “The Documentary Film Tradition”, “Anytown USA”, “Final Project Seminar”
- Visiting Assistant Professor, Davidson College. Courses include, "Intermediate Screenwriting", "Intermediate Filmmaking" and "Advanced Filmmaking Seminar: The Documentary Video Experience"
- Adjunct Film Professor, The University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking. Course created and taught: "The Documentary Experience".
- Instructor, Insight Colearning Center High School (Durham, NC), courses created include "Filmmaking" and "Documentary Filmmaking".
- Guest Speaker, Sunshine Week Press Freedom Summit, National Press Club, Washington, DC
- Guest Lecturer, Seminar at Let's All Be Free Festival, "Telling Your Story - Fulfilling Your Vision In Motion Pictures", London, England
- Instructor, Wofford College, interim semester course, “Advanced Non-fiction Video Production Seminar”
- Guest Lecturer, N.C. Association of Government Information Officers, Raleigh, N.C.
- Guest Lecturer, Durham Technical Community College, Durham, N.C.
- Instructor, Summer Session, University of North Carolina School of the Arts - School of Filmmaking, Winston-Salem, N.C.
INstruction
RANDOLPH BENSON
Producer Director Cinematographer Editor
RANDOLPH BENSON's work has garnered numerous awards, most notably an Academy Award for Best Student Documentary at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Academy Awards. Benson received an Eastman Kodak Excellence in Filmmaking Award at the Cannes Film Festival and a First Appearance Award at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. He has been an instructor of film and video for over two decades, teaching at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, Davidson College and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He holds degrees from Queens University, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking and Wake Forest University. He serves on Award Juries at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival (Durham, NC), the BooneDocs (NC) Film Festival and the Let’s All Be Free Film Festival (London, UK).
Benson was also a 6-time letterman in Cross Country and Track at Wake Forest University (Go Deacs!) and was recently inducted into his high school Sports Hall of Fame (Go Warriors!).
REVIEWS
WE TELL STORIES. EVERY PERSON AND ORGANIZATION HAS A STORY, and we believe in the power of film to speak to your audience. We offer a unique and customized experience for each and every client.
From script to screen, no project is too large or small. You have a vision? We have you covered.
Critical Focus Pictures P.O. Box 25506, Durham, NC 27702 randy@rbensonfilm.com
Production
"Simply put, Randy is one of the best DP’s I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He brings to the field that rare combination of creative vision and technical expertise. He can literally turn any space (including a white-walled conference room) into a beautiful setting for an interview. His lighting is subtle and his shooting style smooth and precise. The best part—you’re never stuck in the edit room wondering why you don’t have that critical shot because Randy always gets the coverage. He’s easy going--a big plus on a long shoot. He’s without a doubt, my first pick for a local shooter."
- Rachel Baer, Producer, 3 Story Productions
"Not only is Randy’s work consistently outstanding, he is a total pleasure to work with. He is patient and knowledgable and always goes the extra mile to get the best looking shot. Randy has deepened my understanding of the filmmaking process and when I am in a position to hire for a project, he is always my top choice."
- Emily Frachtling - Award-winning filmmaker; Producer/Editor, PBS-NC
"Randy has a thoughtful eye that really connects his shots with the larger purpose and style of the film. He has a heart commitment to his work, as well as serious visual chops."
- Diana Newton, Director/Producer - The Ties That Bind
"I have hired Randy Benson to shoot and light many client videos. His work is excellent! He is the ultimate professional and he is great with the client. I highly recommend him for documentary and promotional video productions."
- Carol Thomson, Director/Producer - The Fall of Liberty; Founder, Firestream Media
"Randy is a consummate professional. As a first-time filmmaker, I was exceedingly lucky to have him as a collaborator. He's generous, dedicated, easy-going, hope to work with him again!"
- Alexander C Totz, Director - Mr. Brown's Class